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Teasing the Cat
Woodblock print; ink and colour on paper; 37 x 25.4 cm, by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1880
Metropolitan Museum of Art
 

From the series Thirty-Two Aspects of Customs and Manners, this print bears the title 'Seems Annoying – Customs of a Courtesan in the Kansei Era', humorously depicting a courtesan in an affectionate moment with a cat, while the title pokes gentle fun at her attitude. Courtesans were often depicted in Edo and Meiji art not only as figures of beauty and refinement, but as playful, witty women who navigated a world of performance and subtle power. Here, she teases the cat—a seemingly innocuous act that reflects that blend of amusement and control. The title may even reflect the cat’s point of view, adding a touch of light mischief to the scene. Tsukioka was known for blending beauty with psychological nuance, and this series reflects that aim quite distinctly.